Windermerehttp://columbiarivergorge.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/posts
Home for the Holidays: Tips on talking to aging parents about their health and safety<p>For many of us, the holidays give us an opportunity to spend special time with our parents. This can be a great time to check in, not only on life events, but also a good time to look for and address any health concerns you may have for your aging parents.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As folks age, they experience cognitive and physical changes that mean they need more help to stay in their current home. Or, it may be time to start discussing future living options, from improvements to their current home, a move to a retirement community, or an <a href="http://www.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/archives/august%202013/posts/is-assisted-living-right-for-your-aging-loved-ones">assisted living facility</a>.&nbsp; Here are some tips on how to assess your parents and other loved ones needs:</p>
<p><strong>Watching and listening</strong></p>
<p>If you have two parents, try to spend time alone with each one. Sometimes one spouse feels they need to take care of the other all by themselves. In our family, my mother took on all of caretaking when our dad got dementia. She covered for him for many years.&nbsp; She wouldn&rsquo;t consider hiring help nor ask for much help. Finally she reached the breaking point and just couldn&rsquo;t deal with it a minute longer. Then we had to make an emergency placement to an assisted living facility. That was not fun. I wished we had stepped in sooner and had time to find a place on a more relaxed timeline.</p>
<p><img src="/uploads/ckeditor_assets/2/pictures/1267/content_sr._image.jpg" style="margin-left: 12px; margin-right: 12px; float: left; width: 240px; height: 166px;" />Use the holidays as a time to touch base. The goal is not to decide anything specific. It&rsquo;s an emotional and tender time of year.&nbsp; You can check on your parent&rsquo;s status and safety just by being there, chatting and watching.</p>
<p><strong>Basic Needs and Cognitive issues</strong></p>
<p>Offer to help make a meal with your parent and see how that goes. Are they able to start a dish, pull all the ingredients together, and follow through with cooking it? Is there a fridge full of really old bits of food? What is out on the counters? People who are having cognitive problems frequently cannot follow through a complex set of tasks to produce a meal. Are there dishes from two weeks ago in the sink or on the counter?&nbsp; They may need something like Meals on Wheels or someone to cook for them a few times a week. A cleaner/helper could come in every other day to help around meal times.</p>
<p><strong>Driving</strong></p>
<p>Go for a drive to the store and have your parent do the driving. Are they driving too slowly or not able to take in the activity around them? Most older people will stop driving at night long before they are willing to give up driving altogether. You can point out the different options for transport, such as taxis, Access, or friends.</p>
<p><strong>Home Safety</strong></p>
<p>Watch their balance and ability to move around the house. Are there clear pathways to walk without tripping? Are there throw rugs? Throw rugs are actually one of the biggest hazards in a home for an older person. Is the bathroom safe? Does it have grab bars? A raised toilet seat? When discussing the need to put in safety precautions, like bars or removing some of the clutter, it is helpful to let your older parent know that falls are the most common reason that folks wind up in the hospital&ndash;and have to move from their home. If they can keep from falling they will last much longer at home.</p>
<p><strong>Medical Needs</strong></p>
<p>Do a quick cruise through the medicine cabinet. Check dates on meds. If your parent is taking a lot of medications, have a discussion about how that is going for them and if they have a pill box to organize their meds. Make a list of what their meds are so that, if you have an emergency doctor visit with them, you will have all that information at hand.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Having &ldquo;the talk&rdquo;</strong></p>
<p>Sometimes the holidays, or just after, are a good time to have &ldquo;the talk&rdquo; about what your parent is concerned about as they get older. <a href="http://www.eldercarehelp.com/eldercare_reality_check/2011/12/going-to-see-your-parents-over-the-holidays-look-listen-and-pause-.html">It is a time for listening, not telling</a>. Be sensitive to what they want and respect their need to make their own decisions. We all are afraid of losing our independence. Do they want to stay in their home? A majority do. What steps can you take now to help them do that? Prepare yourself ahead of time with some options that might be acceptable to them. Or would they like to move to a community where they can get more help as they need it? Family dynamics are so different. Some families would never consider having their parent in a community where others take care of them, and yet, some parents would never want their own children to have to take care of them. There are lots of options. <a href="http://www.eldercarehelp.com/eldercare_reality_check/2011/11/how-should-i-start-the-discussion-with-my-aging-parents-about-planning-for-the-future.html">Start talking about it early and make a plan</a>.</p>
<p>For more information and to contact a Windermere Senior Transitions Specialist, please visit:&nbsp;<a href="http://windermeretransitions.com/">http://windermeretransitions.com/</a></p>
<p><img alt="" src="/uploads/ckeditor_assets/2/pictures/1268/content_1_Penny_Headshot_BW.jpg" style="width: 150px; height: 200px; float: left;" />Penny Bolton has been helping people make a move successfully in Seattle since 1991. A lifelong resident, she is known for her knowledge of the market and for her determination to get her clients their best outcome whether buying or selling. She and her business partner, Rebecca Evans, are famous within the real estate community for their thorough preparation of their listings and their professional representation of their buyers.&nbsp;</p>
columbiarivergorge.windermere.com/uploads/blog_post_featured_images/blog_post/images/881/thumb_sr._image.jpgHome for the Holidays: Tips on talking to aging parents about their health and safetyhttp://columbiarivergorge.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/posts/home-for-the-holidays-tips-on-talking-to-aging-parents-about-their-health-and-safety--2
Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:37:00 -0800http://columbiarivergorge.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/posts/home-for-the-holidays-tips-on-talking-to-aging-parents-about-their-health-and-safety--2
http://columbiarivergorge.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/posts/home-for-the-holidays-tips-on-talking-to-aging-parents-about-their-health-and-safety--2Multigenerational Real Estate Trends<p><img alt="" src="/uploads/ckeditor_assets/2/pictures/620/content_HouseShopping.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 451px; float: left;" /></p>
<p>When making an important decision like buying a new home, personal circumstances are often a driving force. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, need more space for your growing family, downsizing to fit an empty nest, or looking for a retirement property, finding the right information, the right real estate agent, and the right properties that fit your needs are all important parts of that process. Based on recent studies by the <a href="http://www.realtor.org/">National Association of REALTORS<sup>&reg;</sup></a> on <a href="http://www.realtor.org/reports/home-buyer-and-seller-generational-trends">generational trends</a>, we can identify the best resources to help you in any phase of your life.</p>
<p>Among all generations, the first step most buyers take when searching for a home is online. Younger generations tend to find the home they eventually purchase online, while older generations generally find the home they purchase through their real estate agent.</p>
<p>Across generations, home ownership still represents a significant step in achieving the American Dream. According to a <a href="http://learnvest.cachefly.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Chase_LV_AmericanDream.pdf">study by LearnVest</a>, an online financial resource, 77 percent of those surveyed believed that buying a home of their own was, &ldquo;first and foremost in achieving the American Dream&rdquo;.</p>
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<p><strong>Millennials:</strong></p>
<p>1980-2000</p>
<p>Also known as Generation Y or the Echo Boomers because this generation almost equals the baby boomers in population. This age group is the second largest group of recent homebuyers, representing 28 percent according to the <a href="http://www.realtor.org/reports/home-buyer-and-seller-generational-trends">National Association of REALTORS </a>. Seventy nine percent of homebuyers in this age are purchasing their first home. According to the <a href="http://trends.truliablog.com/2012/12/trulia-american-dream-survey-winter-2012/">2012 Trulia American Dream Study</a>, ninety three percent of renters in this generation plan on purchasing a home someday.</p>
<p>When considering a home purchase, Millennials (and some Generation X buyers) place a high value on convenience to work, affordability, and the quality of school district. This generation is the most likely to choose an urban center as the location of their first home. According to <a href="http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=13107891">market research by Gfk Roper</a>, this group is most interested in their home being a social hub, with a focus on entertainment and amenities.</p>
<p>When looking for a real estate agent, Millennials are most likely to looks to friends and family for a referral. They generally place a high value on an agent&rsquo;s honesty and trustworthiness because they are often relying on their agent to walk them through the home purchase process for the first time.</p>
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<p><strong>Generation X: </strong></p>
<p>1965-1979</p>
<p>As the largest group of recent homebuyers, the LearnVest findings suggest that 72 percent of Americans in this generation are already homeowners. They also represent the largest group of home sellers, with a substantial percentage of the group looking to upgrade their home to accommodate their growing families or increase investment. Experts in the real estate industry expect this group to lead in the recovered real estate market.</p>
<p>Generation X households are more likely to have a dual income, with both adult members in the household working. According to a study by <a href="http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=13107891">GfK Roper</a>, a market research company, this generation placed state-of-the-art kitchens at the top of their priorities, as well as large closets and amenities for organization, since many Gen Xers have children living in their homes. They are less concerned about formality in their home and have less interest in formal dining and living rooms.</p>
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<p><strong>Baby Boomers:</strong></p>
<p>1946-1964</p>
<p>Interestingly enough, the NAR study finds that as the age of the homebuyer increases, the age of the home being purchased declines. Baby boomers and older buyers are looking for newer construction, with less need for renovations or large maintenance issues. This generation ranks state-of-the-art kitchens, whirlpool baths, walk-in closets, and hobby spaces high on their list of must-haves, according to <a href="http://realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=13107891">GfK Roper</a>.</p>
<p>The boomer generation is also looking to the future for both themselves and their aging parents, &ldquo;fourteen percent of homebuyers over the age of 48 are looking to purchase senior-related homes, for themselves or others&rdquo; according to the <a href="http://www.realtor.org/reports/home-buyer-and-seller-generational-trends">NAR study.</a> Boomer parents are becoming accustomed to (or preparing for) an empty nest, so this group may be downsizing or looking for a home that specifically fits their needs.</p>
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<p><strong>Silent Generation:</strong></p>
<p>1925-1945</p>
<p>This generation of buyers places a bigger emphasis on finding a home closer to friends, family, and health facilities. While this generation uses the Internet to find their home in the early stages of a home search, they work more directly with a trusted real estate agent to find the home that specifically fits their needs. A home purchase for members of this generation will likely not be a first-time experience so they are less willing to compromise on the price, size, or condition of a home. This generation is generally more satisfied with the homebuying and selling process because they have been through it before and know what to expect. According to the <a href="http://trends.truliablog.com/2012/12/trulia-american-dream-survey-winter-2012/">Trulia American Dream study</a>, this group is also most likely to have realistic assumptions about the cost of a home and mortgage.&nbsp;</p>
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columbiarivergorge.windermere.com/uploads/blog_post_featured_images/blog_post/images/876/thumb_content_HouseShopping.jpgMultigenerational Real Estate Trendshttp://columbiarivergorge.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/posts/multigenerational-real-estate-trends
Thu, 21 Nov 2013 11:27:00 -0800http://columbiarivergorge.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/posts/multigenerational-real-estate-trends
http://columbiarivergorge.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/posts/multigenerational-real-estate-trendsWestern Washington I 2013 Third Quarter Market Update<p><em>Windermere Real Estate is proud to partner with Gardner Economics on this analysis of the Western Washington real estate market. This report is designed to offer insight into the realities of the housing market. Numbers alone do not always give an accurate picture of local economic conditions; therefore our goal is to provide an explanation of what the statistics mean and how they impact the Western Washington housing economy. We hope that this information may assist you with making an informed real estate decision. For further information about the real estate market in your area, please contact your Windermere agent.</em></p>
<p><strong>Regional Economics</strong></p>
<p>This report is a little late as, along with many others, we were at the mercy of the Federal government shutdown in early October. This shutdown did not just delay our employment data, it was also decided that September figures were not important and, therefore, there was no count at all!</p>
<p>As such, we were forced to use August&rsquo;s figures which, while certainly not perfect, at least provide us with some indications as to the direction of our regional economy.</p>
<p>Looking at total employment, the numbers continue to impress with the overall area adding 53,960 new jobs over the past 12 months&mdash;up from the 50,670 seen between July 2012 and July 2013.</p>
<p>Total employment growth over the past year was seen in all but eight counties. I have to say that it continues to frustrate me that we still have several counties where employment gains remain hard to find. Although the job losses were very limited&mdash;other than in Cowlitz County&mdash;I will still rest easier when I see these secondary markets improving their employment bases.</p>
<p>Unsurprisingly, King County (+3.8%) maintains its top position relative to employment growth. This was, somewhat surprisingly, followed by Whatcom County (+3%). Mason (+2.4%), Kittitas (+2.4%), and Pierce (+2%) rounded out the other top-performing counties.</p>
<p>As I mentioned earlier, job losses were generally modest, with San Juan (-3.3%), Cowlitz (-2.8%), Grays Harbor (-2.1%), and Lewis (-1.9%) Counties suffering the greatest percentage losses. In aggregate, the counties that saw contraction in employment lost a total of 3,100 jobs.</p>
<p>In terms of absolute numbers, we continue to see the bifurcation of employment growth within the state, with the central Puget Sound region (King, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties) now home to 79.2 percent of all regional jobs, up from 78.7 percent a year ago. This tri-county market has added 53,960 jobs over the past 12 months, representing all but 60 net jobs gained over the past year. The tri-county area also added 20,100 jobs over the past three months, while the balance of the market lost 4,290 positions.</p>
<p>When we look at the unemployment rate in the region, every county did show improvement in their unemployment rates when compared to a year ago, and all but two have lower unemployment when compared to three months ago.</p>
<p>The only counties that saw their unemployment rates rise over the past quarter were King and Snohomish. This was a little surprising and, when we looked closer at the data, there were no clear reasons why the number of unemployed people grew by almost 30 percent in both counties. There was no growth in the labor force that would explain it so we are, for now, putting it down to being an anomaly that will correct in the next month or two.</p>
<p><img alt="" src="/uploads/ckeditor_assets/2/pictures/1241/content_gardnerQ3_2013_01.gif" style="width: 760px; height: 942px;" /></p>
<p><img alt="" src="/uploads/ckeditor_assets/2/pictures/1247/content_gardnerQ3_2013_02a.gif" style="width: 760px; height: 725px;" /></p>
<p><img alt="" src="/uploads/ckeditor_assets/2/pictures/1248/content_gardnerQ3_2013_02b.gif" style="width: 760px; height: 846px;" />Year over year, the greatest drop in unemployment was seen in Lewis County where the rate dropped by 1.6 percent. This was followed by Cowlitz County where unemployment dropped by 1.5 percent, and Tacoma which dropped by 1.4 percent. The smallest improvement was seen in San Juan County where the rate improved by a modest 0.4 percent.</p>
<p>In general, the employment picture remains positive and, with total employment growth of 2.5 percent, we remain well above the U.S. rate of 1.7 percent. That said, I still want to see a more broad-based improvement in jobs. Many counties in the state are not improving at the rate that I would like to see. As such, I can only maintain the &ldquo;B+&rdquo; grade that I gave last quarter.</p>
<p><strong>Regional Real Estate</strong></p>
<p>It was a funny summer. Interest rates started to climb in June, and this certainly had an effect on the housing market with sales increasing nicely. What was also pleasing to see was a corresponding growth in listing activity.</p>
<p>As compared to September of 2012, listings in the region are up by 7.5 percent, and are now 12.4 percent higher than seen at the end of the second quarter of 2013.</p>
<p>The greatest growth in listings was seen in Snohomish County, which saw a remarkable 36 percent increase in units for sale when compared to a year ago. Every other county measured increases in the single digits, with just three counties reporting fewer homes for sale than a year ago. These were Skagit (-3%), and Cowlitz and Jefferson which each saw available inventories less than one percent lower than a year ago.</p>
<p>Most counties added to the stock of homes for sale, but some notable exceptions were in Island (-5%) and Jefferson (-4%) Counties.</p>
<p>I would temper this with the fact that listings in the region are still 43 percent lower than seen in September of 2008&mdash;just as the market was correcting.</p>
<p>When we look at sales activity, the region reported 48,203 home sales in the first three quarters of 2013&mdash;a 19.2 percent improvement over the same period in 2012. And when compared to the previous quarter, sales were up by a very reasonable 4.6 percent.</p>
<p>In the third quarter, sales essentially rose across the board with the greatest increase coming in San Juan County, where the market reported 48 percent more homes in the quarter than in Q2. (The total increase, however, was from 44 to 65 sales). This was followed by Grays Harbor (+44%), Jefferson (+37%), and Mason (+30%) Counties. Very slight contraction was seen in Snohomish and Skagit Counties, but sales were less than one percent lower than seen in the previous quarter.</p>
<p>Listings and sales are both on the rise and it will be interesting to see how the year finishes. During third quarter we saw interest rates rise and then pull back. Did this &ldquo;pull&rdquo; some sales forward that would otherwise have happened later in the year? Only time will tell.</p>
<p><img alt="" src="/uploads/ckeditor_assets/2/pictures/1244/content_gardnerQ3_2013_03.gif" style="width: 760px; height: 941px;" /></p>
<p>As shown in the chart below, nine counties saw the average sales prices at levels above that seen a year ago, with seven exhibiting prices below that seen in September of 2012. In aggregate, the average price of homes sold in the counties analyzed was nine percent higher at the end of the third quarter of 2013 than seen a year before.</p>
<p>Of the counties that saw appreciation, the most pronounced gains were seen in Jefferson County where prices rose by 21.5 percent. Significant gains were also seen in Whatcom (+15.5%), Kitsap (+14.1%), King (+11.7%), Cowlitz (+11.2%), and Snohomish (+10.3%) Counties. Declines were seen in the notoriously volatile San Juan County where home prices were 42 percent lower than a year ago. Price drops were also seen in Grays Harbor (-9.2%), Lewis (-8%), Island (-4.6%), Clallam (-4.1%), Skagit (-3%), and Mason (-1%) Counties.</p>
<p>When we look at the market versus the previous quarter, ten counties saw prices rise with six contracting. On the positive side, sales in the quarter grew the fastest in Clallam County where prices were 11.1 percent higher than seen at the end of Q2. Substantial increases were also seen in Whatcom (+8.9%), Kitsap (+5.9%), and San Juan (+5%) Counties. The most pronounced decline was seen in Lewis County where prices fell by 9.7 percent. Losses were also seen in Kittitas (-7.2%), Island (-7%), Skagit (-3.8%), Pierce (-3.3%), and Mason (-2.5%) Counties.</p>
<p>When compared to the housing market from two years ago, all but four counties saw home price growth, and we are now&mdash;five years later&mdash;starting to see some price growth versus September of 2008 when housing prices were at their peak.</p>
<p>The market has entered what I will refer to as a period of calm. The double-digit price growth that we have experienced over the past year or so is set to taper&mdash;which is not a bad thing. It is pleasing to see an increase in homes for sale in many markets throughout Washington. The market is demonstrating stability, and buyers are increasingly comfortable with the view that home buying is not an inherent risk.</p>
<p>I am upping the grade from a &ldquo;C+&rdquo; to a &ldquo;B-&rdquo;. Prices are calming and, although interest rates are sure to rise in 2014, the increase will not be parabolic. Rather, I believe that rising rates, along with higher inventory levels, will encourage those that are still on the fence, to get off.</p>
<p><img alt="" src="/uploads/ckeditor_assets/2/pictures/1245/content_gardnerQ3_2013_04.gif" style="width: 760px; height: 929px;" /></p>
<p><img alt="" src="/uploads/ckeditor_assets/2/pictures/1249/content_gardnerQ3_2013_05a.gif" style="width: 760px; height: 639px;" /><img alt="" src="/uploads/ckeditor_assets/2/pictures/1250/content_gardnerQ3_2013_05b.gif" style="width: 760px; height: 669px;" /></p>
<p><strong>Conclusions</strong></p>
<p>The economy and the housing market both continue to improve, but there are headwinds that need to be addressed.</p>
<p>The health of the housing market relies heavily on the greater economy. When the region, and the country as a whole, grows economically, jobs are created, wealth increases, and this has a direct effect on homeownership.</p>
<p>Recent events in the &ldquo;other&rdquo; Washington continue to be a concern. For now, the effects of the sequester, debt ceiling, and Affordable Health Care for America Act remain unknown. In as much as the government went back to work after a brief respite, and agreed to temporarily increase the debt ceiling, a more permanent solution was not enacted. This causes uncertainty in the private sector, which is very important since private companies are the ones who have essentially created all the jobs that have been seen over the past five years.</p>
<p>Why do I mention this? Until we get resolution to the issues that face the nation, we will not grow at our potential. This affects all of us, because it can lead us to adjust our spending patterns &mdash;which can include our home buying decisions&mdash;as we tend to fear what we do not know.</p>
<p>I do believe that our government will come up with long-term solutions to these problems; however, until they do, many will still keep tight hold of their spending &ldquo;reins&rdquo;. That said, the current economic environment is certainly better than it has been for several years. As long as we believe that our elected officials will address the bigger issues that face the nation, we will continue to exhibit economic growth, but not at the rate which I would like to see.</p>
<p><strong>About Matthew Gardner</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="/uploads/ckeditor_assets/2/pictures/794/content_Headshot_-_Matthew_Gardner.jpg" style="width: 250px; height: 303px; float: left;" />Mr. Gardner is a land use economist and principal with Gardner Economics and is considered by many to be one of the foremost real estate analysts in the Pacific Northwest.</p>
<p>In addition to managing his consulting practice, Mr. Gardner chairs the Board of Trustees at the Washington Center for Real Estate Research at the University of Washington; sits on the Urban Land Institutes Technical Assistance Panel; is an Advisory Board Member for the Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of Washington; and is the Editor of the Washington State University&rsquo;s Central Puget Sound Real Estate Research Report.</p>
<p>He is also the retained economist for the Master Builders Association of King &amp; Snohomish Counties. He has twenty-five years of professional experience in the U.K. and U.S.</p>
<p>He has appeared on CNN, NBC and NPR news services to discuss real estate issues, and is regularly cited in the <em>Wall Street Journal </em>and all local media.</p>
columbiarivergorge.windermere.com/uploads/blog_post_featured_images/blog_post/images/873/thumb_gardnerQ3_2013_04.gifWestern Washington I 2013 Third Quarter Market Updatehttp://columbiarivergorge.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/posts/western-washington-i-2013-third-quarter-market-update
Fri, 15 Nov 2013 13:36:00 -0800http://columbiarivergorge.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/posts/western-washington-i-2013-third-quarter-market-update
http://columbiarivergorge.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/posts/western-washington-i-2013-third-quarter-market-updateSouthwest Windermere Offices Give Back In A Big Way <p>On Friday, October 18, Windermere offices in California, Nevada, and Arizona took some time off from selling houses to be a part of Windermere&rsquo;s annual Community Service Day. Over the past two weeks, we have heard some remarkable stories about the rewards of volunteering and what it means to give back to those in our communities who need it most.</p>
<p>Here are some highlights from Community Service Day:</p>
<p><strong>Arizona, Warm Winter Coat Drive</strong></p>
<p>Windermere Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Scottsdale collected winter clothing and spent their Community Service Day packing up jackets and blankets to help local families stay warm for the winter.</p>
<p><img alt="" src="/uploads/ckeditor_assets/2/pictures/1232/content_Arizona.jpg" style="width: 599px; height: 339px;" /></p>
<p><strong>California, Contra Costa/Salano Food Bank</strong></p>
<p>Windermere Bay Properties offices in Clayton and Walnut Creek worked at their local food bank collecting 1,859 pounds of food and packing more than 740 boxes of food for families.</p>
<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="449" scrolling="no" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DiTBnLICGAg" width="599"></iframe></p>
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<p><strong>California, Make-A-Wish Foundation</strong></p>
<p>On Friday October 4 Windermere Redding held their second annual fundraiser in lieu of Community Service Day, benefiting the local chapter <a href="http://necannv.wish.org/">Make-A-Wish Foundation</a>, and the <a href="http://www.alyssaswingsofangels.org/">Alyssa Araiza Wings of Angels Organization</a> for children with cancer. This year they raised $16,685 for these great charities!</p>
<p><img alt="" src="/uploads/ckeditor_assets/2/pictures/1233/content_Redding.jpg" style="width: 599px; height: 434px;" /></p>
<p><strong>Nevada, Street Teens</strong></p>
<p>Windermere Offices in Henderson, Anthem Hills, and Lake Las Vegas teamed up to make a big difference in their community by volunteering their time and making a big donation to the local program <a href="http://www.streetteens.org/">Street Teens</a>, a drop in facility for homeless youth.</p>
<p><img alt="" src="/uploads/ckeditor_assets/2/pictures/1234/content_Newvada.jpg" style="width: 599px; height: 449px;" /></p>
<p><strong>And the winners of the photo contest are&hellip;</strong></p>
<p>A few weeks ago we also announced that each office that posted a Community Service Day photo on the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/windermererealestate">Windermere Real Estate Facebook page</a>&nbsp;would be entered in a &ldquo;Photo Challenge&rdquo;. The following offices participated and have earned a $100 donation to their Windermere Foundation fund:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Arizona:</strong></p>
<p>Prescott, Scottsdale &amp; Prescott Valley</p>
<p><strong>California:</strong></p>
<p>Clayton</p>
<p>El Sobrante</p>
<p>Walnut Creek</p>
<p><strong>Nevada:</strong></p>
<p>Lake Las Vegas</p>
<p>Henderson</p>
<p>Anthem Hills</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The office with the most &ldquo;likes&rdquo; on their photo won an additional $1,000 donation benefiting their Windermere Foundation fund, which supports low-income and homeless families. With 162 &ldquo;likes&rdquo; and comments, the winner of this year&rsquo;s Facebook Photo Challenge is <strong>Windermere <a href="http://www.windermere.com/offices/clayton">Clayton</a>!</strong></p>
<p>Congratulations to all of our Windermere offices for another successful Community Service Day!</p>
<p>You can see more photos from Community Service Day at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/WindermereRealEstate">www.facebook.com/WindermereRealEstate</a>&nbsp;and a complete list of projects&nbsp;<a href="http://www.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/archives/october%202013/posts/windermere-s-southwest-community-service-day-is-friday-october-18th">here</a>.</p>
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columbiarivergorge.windermere.com/uploads/blog_post_featured_images/blog_post/images/867/thumb_Clayton.jpgSouthwest Windermere Offices Give Back In A Big Way http://columbiarivergorge.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/posts/southwest-windermere-offices-give-back-in-a-big-way
Thu, 07 Nov 2013 08:01:00 -0800http://columbiarivergorge.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/posts/southwest-windermere-offices-give-back-in-a-big-way
http://columbiarivergorge.windermere.com/blogs/windermere/posts/southwest-windermere-offices-give-back-in-a-big-way